Formerly known as the USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships, the WCGNIC showcases top-tier talent from across the nation. Price, competing for the only HBCU gymnastics team in the field, stood tall against elite competition. She outpaced SEMO’s Taylor Ingle, who finished as the runner-up with a 39.225, and Bridgeport’s Abigail Kenney, who took third with a 38.95.

The HBCU star qualified for all four individual event finals with top-eight finishes across the board, further underscoring her dominance. But Price won’t be representing Fisk alone in the next round. Her teammate Aliyah Reed-Hammon delivered a breakout performance of her own, finishing in the top two on both vault and beam to secure spots in both event finals.

Price’s repeat performance is not just a personal triumph — it’s another powerful chapter in the growth of HBCU gymnastics. Since joining Fisk, she’s been a trailblazer for the sport at historically Black colleges and universities, proving that excellence knows no boundaries. Earlier this year she became the first gymnast from an HBCU to record a perfect score.

“I know that that a lot of little gymnasts, whether they’re a minority or not, look up to us because they see a whole team full of black and brown gymnasts doing the sport that they love, and it can show that you can also do (college gymnastics) as well, as long as you keep working hard and putting your mind to it,” she told Forbes after repeating as champion.

With both Price and Reed-Hammon advancing to the event finals, Fisk University is once again proving that HBCU programs can shine on the national stage in gymnastics. The duo’s success highlights the continuing evolution of a program that has broken barriers and redefined what’s possible in collegiate athletics.

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Corrinne Tarver is out as head coach, according to a release by the university. Assistant coach Nuriya Mack has been named the interim coach. 

Details of Tarver’s departure were not indicated in the release, but the university noted it will soon begin a national search for the next head coach. Tarver was the first black woman to win an NCAA championship.

“We thank Coach Tarver, who joined Fisk to lead the first HBCU women’s gymnastics program,” the release read. “Under coach Tarver and a partnership with Black Girls Gymnastics, a strong foundation for the gymnastics program was cultivated. Fisk looks forward to a continuation of excellence in academics, athletics, and gymnastics.”

Mack was hired by Tarver as Meet Director and Social Media Manager in 2023 for the program. She has contributed significantly to the team’s success. Nuriya brings a wealth of experience in coaching, athlete development, and event management to the role of interim head coach.

“I am thrilled to lead Fisk’s gymnastics team and continue building upon the team’s success,” Mack said. “It is an honor to guide these student-athletes and contribute to the program’s growth.”

Before joining Fisk, Nuriya served as Lead Coach and Program Director for GYSTARS Gymnastics, where she led competitive teams and directed events such as the Aloha from Memphis and Gymnastics Mobility Meet.

“Fisk has built a strong gymnastics program that has become a beacon of light for the university and young ladies nationwide. The future of Fisk University’s gymnastics program remains bright and dynamic. The university is poised to embrace new leadership and will continue to fervently support our young women who give their all in every competition,” said Valencia Jordan, Athletic Director at Fisk University.

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]BALTIMORE, Md. — The Morgan State Acrobatics & Tumbling team is set to make history on Saturday, February 15, as they travel to the West Coast for the first time in the history of the HBCU program. 

The Bears will take on the No. 4-ranked University of Oregon in Eugene, marking a pivotal moment in their journey within the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA).

The Bears enter the matchup following a hard-fought battle against No. 2 Quinnipiac, where they fell 270.565 to 246.745. Despite the loss, Morgan made waves in the sport by becoming the first team to successfully execute a split during an acrobatics and tumbling routine. 

Freshman Lauren Perkins stood at the center of the groundbreaking moment, flawlessly pulling the split and helping cement Morgan’s reputation as an HBCU program on the rise.

With this milestone performance, the Bears have set the tone for the rest of their season. The team remains focused on refining their routines, building on their strengths, and pushing the boundaries of what they can accomplish in NCATA competition.

Awaiting them on the West Coast is a powerhouse Oregon squad, led by head coach Taylor Susnara. A former Oregon All-American and assistant coach, Susnara has helped maintain the Ducks’ legacy as one of the sport’s top programs. Known for their skill, strategy, and precision, Oregon finished last season with a 4-4 record and is looking to establish dominance early in 2025.

As Morgan State prepares for this historic matchup, the Bears are embracing the challenge, ready to showcase their talent on a national stage. With momentum and determination on their side, they look to make a statement in Eugene and continue paving the way for the future of their program.

With each routine, each stunt, and each moment of teamwork, the Bears continue to elevate their presence in the NCATA. No matter the outcome, this competition marks another step forward in their journey, laying the foundation for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.

The meet will be streaming live on BIG+ starting at 4:00 PM. Don’t miss the action—tune in and catch all the excitement!

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The junior gymnast scored a perfect 10 in the uneven bars — making her the first gymnast from an HBCU to record a perfect score. 

The meet took place in Philadelphia at Temple University. 

Morgan Price, born in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 2005, began her gymnastics journey at the age of two. She trained at Texas Dreams Gymnastics and was a standout at Coppell High School in Texas. Initially committing to the University of Arkansas, Price made a pivotal decision in 2022 to join Fisk University, contributing to the establishment of the first-ever gymnastics program at a historically Black college or university (HBCU). 

In her freshman year, Price’s exceptional talent was evident. She secured First-Team All-American honors at the 2023 USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships, placing third in the floor exercise and finishing in the top ten in the all-around category.

The following year, Price made history by becoming the first gymnast from an HBCU to win a national title. She clinched the all-around championship at the 2024 USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships with a score of 39.225. 

Beyond her athletic achievements, Price has embraced her role as an ambassador for Fisk University and HBCU gymnastics. She has been featured in national media, including an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, where she discussed her commitment to representing and uplifting HBCUs in collegiate gymnastics. 

Saturday’s history-making performance was the latest, but it is unlikely to be her last. 

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HBCU Gymnastics Legacy: From Fisk to Talladega

Fisk University holds the distinction of being the first HBCU to establish a gymnastics team, paving the way for increased representation in the sport. Talladega College followed as the second HBCU to sponsor a gymnastics program, providing opportunities for talented athletes like Johnson. However, Talladega’s program was recently shut down due to a lack of funding, underscoring the challenges HBCU athletic programs often face.

During her time at Talladega, Kyrstin Johnson excelled as a four-time First Team All-American and the 2023 USAG National Vault Champion. Her accomplishments cemented her status as one of the top gymnasts in collegiate competition and showcased the level of talent developed within HBCU programs.

Thriving at Temple University

At Temple, Johnson has brought the same determination that made her a star at Talladega. Her recent floor routine, paired with Kendrick Lamar’s anthem “Not Like Us”, captivated audiences online and demonstrated her ability to perform at the highest level. Now majoring in Biology, she balances academic rigor with her athletic career, embodying the values of perseverance and excellence.

Honoring and Advancing HBCU Gymnastics

The loss of Talladega’s gymnastics program is a blow to HBCU athletics, but athletes like Johnson continue to carry the legacy forward. By thriving at Temple, she ensures that the contributions of HBCU gymnastics programs remain recognized and celebrated.

Kristin Johnson’s journey highlights the significance of supporting and expanding gymnastics at HBCUs. Through her performances, she honors her roots while paving the way for future generations of Black gymnasts. Her story is a testament to the resilience of HBCU athletes and the lasting impact they have on the sport.

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Johnson is headed to Temple University to continue her career. She announced her decision on Monday.

“Next Chapter! Please to announce! I’m an Owl!!!” Johnson posted.

Johnson transferred to Temple following an announcement that the Talladega College gymnastics program was going to be shut down due to funding. The program was just the second HBCU program, coming in one season after the Fisk University squad. 

Kyrstin Johnson thrived in her first year, winning a national title in the vault at the USA Gymnastics Championships. As the first athlete to commit to Talladega’s inaugural gymnastics program, Johnson scored 9.8750, surpassing competitors from Texas Women’s University and Cornell.

Not only did Johnson achieve athletic success –  she also found personal growth and community. Reflecting on her time at Talladega, Johnson highlighted the supportive environment which allowed her the confidence to wear her natural hair.

“It’s something I just started. I feel like now that I’m at Talladega, I can actually be free to be myself,” Johnson told HBCU Gameday in April. “I felt like in J-O (junior olympics), I always had to pull my hair up or put it in a braids. I would see the other girls braiding each other’s hair, doing this, and I would be in the back struggling, trying to take off my bonnet, trying to lay down my edges, and try to make sure the part was straight in the back of my head. But now I can just do a wash and go. Let my hair out and flow and just do my thing out on the floor.”

Months later, however, Kyrstin Johnson has been forced to take her talents elsewhere as the second HBCU gymnastics program has been put on the shelf.

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The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, renowned for celebrating exceptional athletes across all sports, is now adding gymnastics to its honored fields, thanks to Morgan. With over 500 inductees to date, the Hall of Fame is about to get even more legendary.

“I’m honored to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame,” Morgan shared. “Sports and gymnastics are an essential part of my wellness commitment. It gives me a chance to speak about the importance of movement while being a role model for young girls who share my dream of success in gymnastics.”

Morgan’s story is about commitment, excellence, and HBCU pride. As she heads back to Nashville this weekend, she’s not just returning as a junior at Fisk University; she’s coming back as a two-time First Team All-American and the reigning USAG All-Around National Champion! By the way, Fisk University boasts the first HBCU gymnastics team in the country.

The black-tie event and silent auction will take place at the Omni Nashville. Morgan and other prominent figures such as Scott Hamilton, Chris Burke, Chris Johnson, and Pekka Rinne were recognized.

“Morgan’s induction isn’t just a win for her; it’s also a win for Fisk University, HBCUs, and aspiring gymnasts everywhere. Her accomplishment highlights the amazing talent emerging from HBCUs and motivates the next generation to strive for greatness, showing that no dream is too big to accomplish.”

Read more about Morgan Price winning the national title.

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Talladega College announced on Friday that it was disbanding its gymnastics program. Sunday morning, members of its team released a crowd funding attempt to keep the program alive. Its goal is $499,999.

The following message was posted with the link: 

The Talladega Gymnastics Team – The 2nd HBCU Gymnastics team in the country. The 1st in the state of Alabama. The HBCU with the most National Qualifiers in a year. The 1st HBCU to win a sanctioned NCAA competition. The 1st HBCU with a USAG National Event Title.

With one hour to prepare, the Talladega team was told that the announcement would go public that their team would be no more. Tears in their eyes and sadness in their hearts, they congratulated each other on their accomplishments given the short time that they had. 24 hours later, they decided they weren’t taking no for an answer!

This fundraiser was created to show the world that Dega Gym is here to stay and the community is behind them 100%. We know that our goal is daunting, but without it we will be forced to put our education and athletic careers on hold. It is too late for our team to find homes. More than the aforementioned, we wouldn’t want to if we could. We set forth on a journey to make history and we are not done yet!

We have until July 30, 2024 to show that the community wants to keep this program alive! Let’s unite to keep the dreams of these young women alive. Together, we can make a difference.

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The Alabama-based HBCU stated in a release that it doesn’t have the resources to continue the program. 

“While the decision to discontinue the gymnastics program was undoubtedly difficult, we remain incredibly proud of our gymnasts, coaches, and their remarkable achievements. Their dedication and resilience have set a high standard, and their legacy will continue to inspire, Talladega College Interim President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough said.

“This strategic move is part of our broader vision to position Talladega College to be stronger and more vibrant on all levels, ensuring that we can continue to provide exceptional opportunities for our students,” he said.

Talladega College became the second HBCU program when it launched in 2023, coming on the heels of the inaugural one at Fisk University which piloted one year earlier. 

The program produced a national champion in its lone season. Freshman Kyrstin Johnson won the USGA national title in vault this spring. She talked about the impact that the HBCU had on her as a person as well as a gymnast. 

“It’s something I just started. I feel like now that I’m at Talladega, I can actually be free to be myself,” Johnson told HBCU Gameday. “I felt like in J-O (junior olympics), I always had to pull my hair up or put it in a braids. I would see the other girls braiding each other’s hair, doing this, and I would be in the back struggling, trying to take off my bonnet, trying to lay down my edges, and try to make sure the part was straight in the back of my head. But now I can just do a wash and go. Let my hair out and flow and just do my thing out on the floor.”

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This groundbreaking alliance represents a significant stride towards diversification and inclusion in collegiate athletics. As part of this commitment, BGDG and Wilberforce University will host Camp Islaâ„¢, a gymnastics camp scheduled to take place on the Wilberforce Campus from June 20th to 23rd, 2024 for Level 6-10 gymnasts who are ages 6 and up. Camp Islaâ„¢ aims to nurture aspiring gymnasts while fostering a supportive environment for skill development and camaraderie within the sport. Notably, the camp will play a crucial role in the formation of the Inaugural Team slated to compete in January 2026.

In a joint statement, Derrin Moore, Founder of BGDG, expressed enthusiasm for this pivotal moment, stating, “The launch of the third HBCU Gymnastics program in partnership with Wilberforce University, alongside the impactful Camp Islaâ„¢, underscores our dedication to expanding opportunities for diverse participation in gymnastics. We are honored to collaborate with Wilberforce in this endeavor, furthering our commitment to create equitable pathways within collegiate athletics.”

Wilberforce University President Dr. Van Newkirk lauded the partnership as an innovative step towards embracing diversity in sports. Dr. Newkirk remarked, “We are excited about the innovative opportunities this collaboration brings. The introduction of a gymnastics team aligns with our commitment to providing inclusive athletic programs and highlights our belief in the power of diversity to enrich the collegiate experience. This partnership with BGDG marks an important milestone in our university’s athletic legacy.”

The launch of the third gymnastics program at an HBCU at Wilberforce University signifies a progressive step in fostering diversity, inclusivity, and excellence within collegiate athletics. BGDG and Wilberforce University remain dedicated to promoting diversity in sports and empowering future generations of gymnasts.

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“It’s different. Because in high school I was homeschooled – so I wasn’t really around people a lot,” Johnson said in an exclusive interview with HBCU Gameday. “I’ve always just been going to my house doing homework – then practice so it’s just like a routine like every day.”

Kyrstin Johnson is definitely making the adjustment look easy. The Baltimore, MD gymnast is the newly minted USAG national champion in the vault. Not bad for a first-year student at a first year program. But as we learned in our interview, Johnson is a fast learner. 

Self-taught, with inspiration

Johnson was always doing gymnastics – whether she was in a gym or not. She didn’t get active in the sport until she was 10 because her parents were dissuaded from getting her involved due to time and cost. But even at that age, she had a passion for the sport that could not be ignored. 

“Before starting gymnastics, I was self-taught,” she said. “I was flipping everywhere. So it couldn’t have been ignored. So I’m glad to be where I am. It’s a blessing.”

Eventually, her parents gave in and her path to becoming a national champion was there. Despite growing up in the Baltimore area, she says she didn’t have a lot of black role models around her, so Gabby Douglas and Trinity Thomas became her inspirations. Attending an HBCU was something Johnson says she wasn’t sure would happen because when she started high school there were no HBCUs.

Then came Fisk University, which began competing in 2023. Johnson was initially verbally committed there. But then Talladega College announced it would be fielding a program and Johnson felt that it would be a better academic fit for her needs. So she became the first gymnast to commit to TC. 

In addition to having a place to compete in gymnastics with people who look like her and having academic programs that fit her goal to be a veterinarian, she has also found community at Talladega. 

“Now I’m always surrounded by people getting to know people it’s like a family,” Johnson said. “Plus I’m loving the band and watching the fraternities, and sororities.”

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Johnson posted the highest score of the day on vault, a 9.8750, to take the title ahead of Texas Women’s University’s Kaitlyn Hoiland and Cornell’s Sydney Beers, who tied for second (9.8250). She joined Fisk University’s Morgan Price, just a sophomore herself, as historic first national champions to come from the HBCU ranks. 

“I could not have asked or even dreamed of this type of season,” Johnson tweeted on X after her victory. “I’M ONLY A FRESHIE!!!”

Finishing behind gold medalist Maggie Slife of Air Force (9.900), Johnson also tied with Gayla Griswold of Lindenwood for silver on floor exercise with a 9.8625. She was named first-team All-American on the floor exercise, balance beam and vault. 

Kyrstin Johnson was one of several Talladga gymnasts who achieved All-American status. Alexa Chuy received first-team status in the all-around and second-team status in the floor exercise. Alondra Maldonado received first-team honors on the balance beam and Kiora Peart-Williams received the same honors on the vault.

Not bad for a first-year program and just the second in HBCU history. 

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